Sharpstein recognized by state as school of distinction

Sharpstein recognized by state as school of distinction

State School Supt. Terry Bergeson applauds Sharpstein as one of 86 amazing schools in Washington state.

Sharpstein Elementary has been named one of 86 "Schools of Distinction" by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) for dramatic improvements in student reading and mathematics over the past several years. On Wednesday, Principal Laure Quaresma received recognition at a ceremony at ESD 123 in Pasco.

"This is a school where everyone works hard and keeps children the focus," Quaresma said.

OSPI's Schools of Distinction represent the top 5 percent of elementary, middle and high schools whose students have shown outstanding growth in both reading and mathematics skills during a six-year period. This year's winning schools include 51 elementary schools, 20 middle schools and 15 high schools out of nearly 2,500 schools in the state.

To be considered for the award, each school had to meet the current year's state learning targets on the Washington Assessment of Student Learning for students in both reading and mathematics.

Schools that met the reading and mathematics targets were then evaluated for six-year gains on the state's -- Learning Improvement Index. Because the award is based on improvement across a six-year period, only results from grades four, seven and 10 were used, as those are the only grade levels with six years of trend data.

"Sharpstein Elementary School is driven by a strong sense of community and student success," Quaresma said.

Some of the many strategies implemented for improvement of student achievement are:

• Three Tier Intervention - students are supported by highly trained staff using the Three Tier model of intervention.
• K-5 Dual Language program - The goal is for all students to be bilingual and bi-literate by the end of 5th grade. 
• All Day Kindergarten for all kindergarten students.
• Kindergarten Home Visitor - Up to 30 students participate in this program providing literacy lessons for parents & students in both English and Spanish.
• Instructional Coaching and Professional Development - Staff work with building-based reading and math coaches to improve teaching and learning for all students. 
• Extended Learning opportunities - students at risk of not meeting standards participate in extended learning opportunities 2 days a week.
• Weekly Collaboration  - early release for teachers to learn together.

School leaders from each of the winning schools were presented with awards and a large banner reading "School of Distinction" 2007 State Superintendent's Learning Improvement Award.  Additional information on the award program, and a list of all Schools of Distinction, can be found on the OSPI Web site at www.k12.wa.us.